I used to mindlessly buy into this logic as well until I did the math. Don't believe me, take 1/2hr and build the spreadsheet. I was quite surprised. Even for me personally and I can buy A-shares at NAV, the VA is still a better investment and I didn't include the 1% trail Pacific Life would give me on my money as opposed to the piddly 12b-1 I'd have taken from me and then returned minus the B/D share.

i think if you are comparing a fully loaded mutual fund wrap account at 1.5% to a va with no riders you are close to the same costs. but if you start adding in living benefits and other riders the cost typically is about .5-1% higher on the va.